So, I was fishing yesterday trying to find some Grayling. I managed an out of season Brooney (oops. sorry bud) about 4" long. I was ready to give in when I heard an almighty splash behind me..

Second cast...BANG! was that a whale?

After 5 mins fight my arm started to ache... I can remember chanting the eternal mantra of all fishermen " please don't snap, please don't snap"

My best fish yet. Phew.

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"It is not how abundant nor how considerable our catch be, but rather to the sport, and manner in which our quarry, the noble trout is angled."
http://geordietrout.blogspot.com/

Picture not working.

*EDIT*

OK, got it.

Well done on your first

That looks like either one of this year's skinny grilse , or a very early kelt.

are Grilse a 'one year at sea' salmon?
what is a Kelt?

Weighed 4lb but looked bigger...about 14 "

felt bliddy big too.

__________________
"It is not how abundant nor how considerable our catch be, but rather to the sport, and manner in which our quarry, the noble trout is angled."
http://geordietrout.blogspot.com/

A kelt is a salmon that has spawned, and should be returned, as should all hen fish and any coloured fish at this time of year. Well done on your first salmon.

I intended to return the fish but the hook was way down, in a gill. I didnt want the fish to suffer too long so I tried to unhook for a few seconds then dispatched quickly. Handling was also a problem as my net is tiny.

__________________
"It is not how abundant nor how considerable our catch be, but rather to the sport, and manner in which our quarry, the noble trout is angled."
http://geordietrout.blogspot.com/

Maybe you should question whether it was wise to target it in the first place then?

You are probably right Stuart. I really didn't appreciate the size of the fish. I thought at first they were sea trout. Still, lesson learnt, I wont do it again.

__________________
"It is not how abundant nor how considerable our catch be, but rather to the sport, and manner in which our quarry, the noble trout is angled."
http://geordietrout.blogspot.com/

I don't think there's a fisherman alive who'd see a big fish move and NOT target it because their net's a little small.!! we'd all have a go, and think about what to do when the fish is on! Good for you. and for me that's a skinny grilse, not a kelt.

Cheers BB. Appreciated.
I did feel bad about not releasing but only until me and mrs lylas sat down to eat it with veg and a beurre noisette sauce.

__________________
"It is not how abundant nor how considerable our catch be, but rather to the sport, and manner in which our quarry, the noble trout is angled."
http://geordietrout.blogspot.com/